Neurological Rehabilitation Flashcards
6 cards from real Rehabilitation and Therapy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Neurological Rehabilitation flashcards as text
What does the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measure?
Answer: Functional mobility by timing rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, and return to sit
The TUG test measures the time for a patient to rise from a standard chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down — a valid predictor of fall risk.
Which upper motor neuron sign is an abnormal reflex where stroking the plantar surface causes dorsiflexion of the great toe?
Answer: Babinski sign (extensor plantar response)
A positive Babinski sign indicates upper motor neuron dysfunction and is normal only in infants; in adults it signifies pyramidal tract pathology.
In multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, what is the most important consideration when prescribing aerobic exercise?
Answer: Avoid overheating (Uhthoff's phenomenon) by exercising in cool environments
Uhthoff's phenomenon causes temporary neurological symptom worsening with elevated body temperature, so MS patients should exercise in cool environments and use cooling vests if needed.
What is autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in spinal cord injury?
Answer: A life-threatening hypertensive emergency triggered by noxious stimuli below the level of injury in patients with SCI at T6 or above
AD is a sudden, potentially fatal surge in blood pressure caused by uninhibited sympathetic response to a stimulus (commonly a full bladder) below the injury level, affecting those with injuries at T6 or above.
Which rehabilitation strategy helps patients with cerebellar ataxia compensate for coordination deficits?
Answer: Weight-bearing on extremities and using proximal stabilization with weighted utensils/vests
Weighting distal extremities and using proximal stabilization increases proprioceptive feedback and dampens involuntary movements, helping patients with cerebellar ataxia perform functional tasks.
What is the primary role of a physiatrist in a rehabilitation team?
Answer: Physician specialist who diagnoses, manages medical complications, and leads the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team
A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician) leads the rehab team, oversees medical management, prescribes therapies, and coordinates the interdisciplinary care plan.